Transnational Education Review

Global Aspirations, National Barriers: Indian Student’s Migration in the Age of Policy Flux

Sadananda Sahoo, Abhay Chawla — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Motivated by the pursuit of high-quality education, improved career prospects, and upward social mobility, the outflow of Indian students has become a major aspect of global student migration trend. As per India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the number of Indian students studying abroad surged to over 1.8 million in 2025, a significant increase from 1.3 million in 2024. These students are dispersed across 241 global destinations, spanning nearly every country worldwide. Both the scale and geographic reach of this migration exceed China’s, which has around 1 million students studying overseas. However, the patterns and experiences of this migration are increasingly shaped by shifting global policy regimes-ranging from changing visa regulations and post-study work policies to broader geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. This paper based on secondary data from various national and UN data sources and content analysis from newspapers tries to explore how evolving policy environments in host countries are influencing Indian student migration, examining the intersection of national interests, global competition and the aspirations of a highly mobile and ambitious youth population.

Factors impacting Registered Nurse attrition in Acute Care using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a conceptual framework

Rebekah Hill, Dr Diane Bunn, Lorna Sankey — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The global shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) has deteriorated since COVID-19, with the WHO reporting a 5.9 million shortfall. In the UK 26,755 nurses left in 2023, many under 45 and earlier than planned. Acute care settings are severely affected, as understaffing increases patient morbidity and mortality. Factors contributing to RN attrition are many, varied and inter-related, reflecting the complexity of this issue. A review of three data bases was undertaken to retrieve literature pertaining to post registration RN retention in acute care from 2000- 2024. Findings were narratively synthesised and mapped to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, used as a framework to explore issues relating to RN attrition. Unmet needs at all levels contribute to attrition. Breaks, safety, and fair pay are neglected, while a lack of team culture, recognition, and career growth hinders belonging and self-actualisation. A holistic, needs-based approach is vital to improve nurse retention and workforce sustainability in acute care.

Stories of ESOL in Suffolk, England

Amna Smith — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the stories and learning journeys of learners of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) experiencing forced displacement. Suffolk is a region often overlooked in migration research but resettled over 4,000 refugees in 2022 (Suffolk Refugee Support, 2023). Refugee ESOL learners encounter significant challenges due to limited ESOL provision and the absence of a national ESOL strategy. Employing narrative inquiry, the research foregrounds personal accounts from learners of ESOL. Participants span a wide educational spectrum yet share a desire for integration and improved life opportunities. This study alerts us to Suffolk’s rural geography as a barrier to effective ESOL access, limiting opportunities for language practice and social connection. These intermediary findings, drawn from the first phase of a two-year data collection process, underscore the urgent need for responsive ESOL strategies and inclusive support systems tailored to the realities of rural resettlement. The findings signify how individual characteristics of those experiencing displacement influence the different barriers they encounter.